Feb. 28, 2008
2005-06 Season
With a number of new teams strengthening Conference USA prior to the start of the 2005-06 season, it was an exciting year for many of the teams in the league. First-year member Tulsa, which joined C-USA from the Western Athletic Conference, was picked to finish fifth in the league by a preseason vote of the conference coaches.
Returning four starters, including eventual All-America selection Jillian Robbins, and with the addition of first-year head coach Charlene Thomas-Swinson, the Golden Hurricane had high expectations for their program. But nothing could have compared to what they experienced in a true "season of firsts."
Thomas-Swinson led Tulsa through uncharted waters for much of the season as the Golden Hurricane made their first season in Conference USA one for the ages. They captured the league's regular-season title with a two-game lead over second-place Rice and then completed the sweep by defeating the Owls in the Conference USA Championship game in Dallas.
Tulsa was rewarded with its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance that season and entered postseason play having won five consecutive games and an impressive 14 out of its last 15, including conference tournament games. What was more impressive is that the Golden Hurricane were in just their 10th season of women's basketball in school history.
"Making the NCAA Tournament is very special," Thomas-Swinson said following the tournament announcement. "With the goals that they set for themselves and with their two previous NIT appearances, they wanted to get to that threshold to make a mark in the NCAA. The biggest thing I have been encouraging them with is to make sure that they are not just participants, but they are really looking to contend and gain some respect."
And contend the Golden Hurricane did. As a No. 12 seed at the Rosemont, Ill., first and second rounds site hosted by DePaul University, Tulsa knocked off N.C. State, 71-61, in the tournament's first round. A story by the Associated Press filed shortly after the game lauded Tulsa's accomplishments that came with a new head coach, a new offense (the triangle) and a new defense (match-up zone) that followed back-to-back 19-win seasons and WNIT appearances.
The Golden Hurricane's stellar season came to an end in the NCAA Tournament second round as fourth-seed and host school DePaul claimed a 71-67 win to advance to the San Antonio regional. Tulsa built an 11-point lead in the second half, but the Blue Demons rallied from a six-point deficit with 1:59 left to claim the victory.
The Golden Hurricane ended their season at 26-6 and set a strong standard for excellence for their young program.
Tulsa is one of the 12 league teams coming to Orlando, Fla., March 6-9 for the Conference USA women's basketball tournament. Single-game and session ticket packages are now available. Call the UCFAA Ticket Sales Office at (407) 823-1000 to order or for more information.